5th Beating Reported In LoDo On New Year’s Day

Kevin Wagley with injuries after he was punched in the face early New Year's Day in LoDo (credit: Kevin Wagley)

DENVER (CBS4)– Another victim in what could be a string of random attacks on New Year’s Eve in LoDo has come forward, making it a total of five beatings that police are investigating.

The random attacks have been happening near 16th and Blake and 20th and Market. The incidents could be part a violent game called the “Knockout Game” where a person is sucker punched for no reason.

Now another man has come forward claiming he was beaten early New Year’s Day.

After seeing the reports about the beatings on CBS4, Kevin Wagley came forward because he believes he is a victim of the “Knock Out Game.”

The victims from LoDo say they were approached by complete strangers, had no altercations that would lead up to a situation, and that they were random attacks.

Wagley said he was tying his shoe with his leg propped up on a planter when someone clocked him in the face and ran off.

“They didn’t rob me, they literally just hit me in the face and took off running,” said Wagley. “It’s just shocking. I never thought the knock out game would reach Denver.”

Wagley said he was attacked at 2:30 a.m. New Year’s Day. He was outside his hotel at 19th and Champa tying his shoe when he was punched. His attackers ran away.

Police say at least four people were assaulted in three separate attacks. One occurred at 16th Street and Blake Street and two between Larimer and Market streets on 20th.

Police won’t confirm if the assaults are being considered the “Knock Out Game” but they are concerned about the similarities. Officers are looking for surveillance video from businesses near where the attacks happened so they can identify the suspects.